CHARNOCK RICHARD PARISH COUNCIL

Transcription

1 CHARNOCK RICHARD PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 5 March 2018 at 7.30 pm in the Parish Rooms, Charter Lane, Charnock Richard. Present: Councillors A J Shaw (Chairman), J Hill, Mrs J Ogden, Mrs C Pilling, Mrs A Bishop, Miss E Walmsley, H Heaton, Mrs L Watson, L Cheetham, A Cornwell and G Brennand. Also present Borough Councillors Leadbetter and Whittaker. REPORTS, COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS OF THE PUBLIC, PARISH, BOROUGH AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS PRESENT (At this point in the Meeting members of the public present can report, ask questions, raise issues and make observations on parish matters or items appearing on the Agenda. Reports, Complaints and Concerns will also be received from Parish, Borough and County Councillors if attending Once closed the Chairman will only suspend standing orders to allow further participation if it will aid discussions) Borough Councillor Whittaker Reported that the Planning Committee Meeting to discuss the Camelot application will take place on Tuesday 27 th March and will be open to the public to attend. The officer s recommendation is as yet unknown. He reported that Charnock Richard and Heskin PC s are both due elections next year, however, Chorley Council has been instructed that ward boundaries need to be reviewed and this may lead to a reduction in the number of Borough Councillors, with the proposal that Charnock Richard, Heskin and Eccleston should be one ward. It has been suggested that as this proposal is likely to be happening in 2020, it is unlikely that there will be any Borough Council elections in This will have a significant financial impact on Parish Councils and Councillor Whittaker has therefore suggested that Chorley Council might look for a way of subsidising Parish Council elections if they are contested. Councillor Whittaker confirmed that the new Heskin village name signs have been erected. He confirmed that he had been informed by a County Councillor that LCC has a reported under-spend on highways by 20m (corrected to 12m by Borough Councillor Leadbetter) and furthermore, a senior engineer informed him that 40% of patch repairs could not be done because operatives were unable to get a waterproof seal using the surrounding carriageway. It was confirmed that at the Chorley Council Budget Meeting last week it was agreed that Council Tax will be increasing by 2.99%. Councillor Whittaker confirmed that impending Data Protection Legislation, which will become operative from the end of May, is complicated and he is trying to arrange some training for Clerk s from Chorley Council officers. Regarding the Chorley Flow Show Councillor Whittaker asked about the suggestion that maintenance in rural areas is reduced in the lead up to the flower show, this was denied. It was confirmed however, that this may happen during the clean up after the flower show. He has not received a response yet to his enquiries about the financial losses associated with last year s flower show. Carriageway patching has been poorly attempted on Park Hall Road, but, with the wettest January for 30 years and a reduction in the money available to local authorities, it is hoped future work will be better. It was confirmed that the Police continue to replace the no parking signs erected on the bridge on Mill Lane. Work is currently being undertaken on the slip roads to the motorway services but what is entailed is unknown. It was again confirmed that part of the lease agreement between Welcome Break and Highways England is that a barrier closing off the access/exits should be in place. Borough Councillor Leadbetter Reported of the 12 under-spend by LCC on highways, 6m will be moved to spend in other ways and the remaining 6m will be used to carry out highways work. Councillor Leadbetter highlighted a current problem with telephone scamming, with residents in the village allegedly being called by Talk Talk. It was confirmed that following discussions with the Neighbourhood Officer, he is concerned about the increase in dog fouling in the village and about the report that wildlife habitats included in the Buttermere Gardens planning proposals have not been put in place. Councillor Leadbetter reported that Chorley Council has announced a new procedure for dog fouling signs and for pursuing these matters. Councillor Bishop confirmed that the dog poo dispensers made and erected by the Scouts all around the village are repeatedly being ignored by dog owners. Members of the Public Reported the large signs on Councillor Heaton s land advertising The Laurels have still not been removed. Councillor Heaton reported that the land had been too wet to go on to remove them but, that they will be removed this week. A resident dog owner in the village was present and confirmed that he is unsure how the issue of dog fouling can be policed. Incidents occur in the very Charnock Richard Parish Council Minutes Page 1 of 5

2 early morning before dog owners go to work. The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council has invested in signs and dog waste bins over the past few years with little effect. Residents and other dog walkers need to be prepared to come forward as witnesses so that legal action can be successfully taken. It was confirmed that dog fouling has increased around Lichen Close and Meadowlands, particularly as the number of people exercising their dogs on the grassed areas in the middle of Meadowlands has significantly increased, to the detriment of the grassed areas which are now becoming yellow and patchy in places as a result. The Neighbourhood Officer will be asked to patrol in the early hours. The fine for allowing your dog to foul and not picking it up is up to 1000 if caught. The Chairman confirmed that, if there is clear evidence of an incident and witnesses are prepared to come forward, he will ensure that the necessary legal action is taken. It was reported that over a period of 2 weeks in February a tractor and trailer were seen importing a significant amount of building waste, taken from the Mawdesley Eating House site, into the Pemberton House Farm site on Park Hall Road. The Clerk will pursue this with Chorley Council enforcement officer. 1. Apologies No apologies required as all members were present. 2. Declarations of Interest Members were asked to consider any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have to declare in relation to matters on this Agenda in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, Parish Council Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct currently in force No declarations made at this point however Councillors will declare them should they arise in the Meeting. 3. To Accept the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 5 February The Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 5 February 2018 had been circulated in advance of the Meeting and it was Resolved: The Minutes of the Meeting were accepted as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman. 4. Update on Matters Arising from previous Meetings for note by the Council: Report 1 (page 5) Agreed. Item f) Councillors wonder how traffic management will work at this location. 5. Correspondence and Information items requiring discussion or action: a) Resignation of Parish Councillor John Taylor The Parish Council will thank Councillor Taylor for his valuable contribution to the work of the Parish Council during his term of office. The Clerk will inform Chorley Council and await the necessary notices for display. b) Request for Agenda Items for the forthcoming Chorley Liaison Meeting on 21 March at 6.30pm No Agenda items for submission. As Councillor Taylor was the Parish Council representative on this Committee, with Councillor Cornwell attending in his absence, it was agreed that Councillor Cornwell will attend the March Meeting and representation will be reviewed at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May. c) from a resident re: non provision of wildlife habitats at Buttermere Gardens Borough Councillor Leadbetter is pursuing this matter. Noted. d) from a resident re: possible unauthorised activities at Chisnall House Farm, Croston Lane It was confirmed that the site already has planning permission for commercial use with no restrictions on vehicular movements. Croston Lane is an adopted road up to the pit, then it becomes a private road with a right of access to the farm at the bottom of the lane. It was suggested that LCC will not put speed humps on a private or derestricted road. The Council will ask for clarification of use at the site and will submit a request for a 20mph speed limit on the lane. e) Crime figures from the Police and a request for further info. re: parked cars Leeson Avenue Noted. It was reported that there were some attempted burglaries in the Parish during the recent snowy weather which were obvious by the footprints left in the snow. f) Notification of a temporary event notice licensing application for Ingledene, Preston Road, Charnock Richard on 30/6/18-1/7/18 between and Noted. The Council will ask Chorley Council to remind the applicant that this is not a licence to permit fireworks also. A separate permission is required to set off fireworks. g) Info. from Councillor Toon re: a new footbridge over Clancutt Brook and possible work to public footpaths in the Parish to improve the link between Coppull and Charnock Richard Noted. Councillors agreed that co-operation from the landowners is required to keep Charnock Richard Parish Council Minutes Page 2 of 5

3 footpaths walkable. It was suggested that this issue be revisited in the summer when the weather is better. The land belongs to Willow Farm, off Sharratts Path. h) Request for a donation from Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team This application will be held on file until Donation requests are discussed at a future meeting. i) Info. regarding signing up for Road Safety Week in 2018, November 2018 It was reported that different road safety campaigns take place during this week and a pack can be provided to circulate to Parish Councillors together with working with schools to highlight road safety. The Parish Council will register their interest and will suggest that the Headteacher at the School is contacted to raise awareness and educate parents. j) Proposed local list of Non-designated Heritage Assets Leyland The Council will ask Chorley Council if they have, or are compiling, a similar list. k) Info. re: Healthwatch Engagement Councillors agree that this kind of support and education about the services available is important. The Council will register their interest on the database and put the information received to date on the Parish Council website. l) Info. re: the Utility Priority Services Register Councillors agree this is a great initiative and will register their interest in promoting the Utility Priority Services Register. m) Info. from LALC Nothing to report. n) Details of late items of correspondence received i) Consultation on Transport Information Centres Noted. 6. Reports, Complaints, Concerns from Councillors - not addressed at the beginning of the Meeting 1) Councillor Watson reported a response to traffic speed surveys on Charter Lane from County Councillor Iddon, indicating that the data from the survey has been analysed and mobile enforcement has been approved. Councillor Watson confirmed that she questioned some of the results but will forward the information to the Clerk and to Borough Councillor Leadbetter. 2) There will be a Community Centre Trust Coffee Morning this Saturday, 10 th of March. 3) A trip hazard has arisen where the block paving and driveway of No s 8 & 10 Freemans Lane meet the highway. There is no footway along this lane therefore, this is considered dangerous. 4) The front cover is off the street lamp in front of No.12 Freemans Lane. 5) Councillor Bishop reported that there are now 7 people interested in computer classes in the Parish. Permission has been agreed that the courses can be delivered at the Scout Hut and, for the use of the School s internet. The Scout Hut can be used free of charge but a small contribution towards heating and lighting costs has been requested. Councillor Bishop asked if the Parish Council were willing to make this contribution. The Clerk suggested that if Lancashire Adult Learning is the course provider, they will pay the costs associated with the use of the room. Councillor Bishop will pursue this. The suggestion that Councillor Bishop apply for a donation from the Parish Council to pay for these costs was dismissed as Councillor Bishop is not providing the course, she is simply negotiating with the Borough Council on behalf of the learners and helping to facilitate delivery of these useful courses in the Parish for ease of access. Councillors agreed that if LAL will not fund the use of the room, the Parish Council will pay. 6) The Council will ask why yellow lines on Church Lane have not been continued from the junction of Leeson Avenue, all the way in front of the terraced houses where the real problems compromising highway safety associated with parked cars, actually exists. 7) The Lengthsman will be asked to sweep the ginnell from Church Lane to Meadowlands. 8) There is a large pot-hole on Preston Road, opposite the entrance to Lancaster House Farm on the same side of the road to The Laurels, which requires attention. 9) The street name signs are missing on German Lane and Back Lane. It is possible that recent hedge cutting works at both these locations is the reason for this. 10) Councillors confirmed that they had asked Councillor Brennand to replant a hedge behind the new green metal fence recently erected on Church Lane. It is obvious now that this will not happen as the car park has been resurfaced right up to the fence. It was noted however, that the trip hazard created with the hedge removal and erection of the fence has now been addressed. Councillor Brennand confirmed that he had received a lot of positive comments since this work had been undertaken and, it was agreed that sightlines exiting the car park are much improved. Charnock Richard Parish Council Minutes Page 3 of 5

4 Councillors still believe that some foliage is required for wildlife in the area which has been displaced by the removal of the long stretch of hedge. 11) The Parish Council Resolved: that the necessary paperwork could be completed to amend the Parish Council correspondence address at the bank to the Clerk s new address in Chorley. 7. Reports from Committees and Representatives on Outside Bodies Chorley Southern Parishes Liaison Meeting attended by Councillor Heaton. Discussions on the Orchard Gardens project remain ongoing. Almshouse Meeting attended by Councillor Ogden. It was reported that a number of people are using the route through the Almshouses, from Church Lane to Charter Lane, as a short cut. It was also reported that there has been a considerable increase in dog fouling on the site as a result of this additional use. The Committee will be putting no dog fouling signs up. Charnock Richard United Charities Meeting attended by Councillors Shaw, Hill and Ogden. It was confirmed that final terms of the leases to the Football Club and the Parish Council, for the use of Trustees Land, have now been agreed and both parties will be receiving the proposed leases in due course. Receipt of registered title is imminent. Once everything has been finalised, a solicitor s letter will be sent to all homeowners whose gardens back onto Trustees land stating that, the addition of any further gates, encroachments onto Trustees land or unauthorised tree works will not be tolerated. LALC Area Committee Meeting attended by Councillor Cornwell who reported that Area Committee Meetings will now be held twice each year, with immediate effect. 8. Action to Satisfy Audit Requirements - Resolved: The Parish Council confirmed the following action has been taken throughout the year to satisfy Audit Requirements: i) The Parish Council Risk Assessment was reviewed and confirmed at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May Risk review and health and safety implications associated with the work of the Lengthsman remain on-going. ii) The effectiveness of the Internal Audit was confirmed the Internal Auditor is both competent and independent, has no relationship with the Clerk or Councillors. The Audit trail is detailed, planned and the broad scope of the internal audit covers all aspects of the Councils business including financial, administrative, practical and procedural matters. Any issues arising from both the internal and external auditors are reported to the Parish Council at the earliest opportunity and appropriate action taken. The Council confirmed the continued appointment of Mrs Stewart as the Parish Councils Internal Auditor. 9. Phase III Mossie Close Play Area Update It was confirmed that the recent bad weather has impacted on progress with the project, however, it would appear that the work is still on track to be completed by Easter. The site currently looks about ready for the safety surfacing to be laid. It was suggested that, if the weather is not too bad, the Lengthsman will be asked to paint some of the existing play equipment which now looks in need of some attention in comparison to the new equipment. It was confirmed that tree work required, to allow for complete installation of the zipwire, needs to be undertaken as soon as possible. Councillor Hill agreed to pursue this matter. The Council discussed a quotation received for a fence and gate at the entrance to the play area, of 520 from a local tradesman. Resolved: That the contractor be instructed to erect the fence and gate once work at the playground has been completed. It is anticipated that the grassed area at the junction of Leeson Avenue and Willow Drive will be reinstated by Wicksteed once the work is completed, Councillor Shaw confirmed he will speak to the contractor regarding a possible upgrading to the surface of the footpath leading to the play area. The Clerk confirmed receipt of goody bags for the opening of the play area. 10. Planning The Council were required to make observations on the following application: 1) 18/00111/FULHH Front Extension. Linden Lea, Sharratts Path, Charnock Richard - Resolved - The Council has no objections to these proposals provided they comply with all the relevant planning regulations for front extensions. 11. Accounts Accounts for Payment: LALC - Annual Subscriptions Mrs C A Cross Reimburse Printer Inks ( % with WPC) Mrs C A Cross Reimburse Expenses Already Paid by the Clerk, to 4 March 2018 Charnock Richard Parish Council Minutes Page 4 of 5

5 Internet Charges 50% (Shared with Wrightington) Mobile Tel. Charges 50% (Shared with Wrightington) Stationery/Copying/Postage and Mileage Mrs C A Cross Salary (Net) HM Revenue & Customs Tax & NI due by Clerk NI due by Parish Council Resolved: That the aforementioned Accounts are approved payments. 12. Lengthsman s Payment - 4 weeks = 100 the hourly rate of 8.00 per hour = Resolved: Total Paid It was reported that the grit bins have now been refilled and the Lengthsman has been instructed to spray the locks on the bins each time they are used. Next Meeting: Monday 9 April pm Parish Council Meeting in the Parish Rooms. Members of the Public and Press are welcome to attend the next Meeting Meeting Closed: 9.10 pm Chairman: Date: REPORT 1 Matters Arising from the Minutes to be noted by the Parish Council: a) Confirmation your report that stiles on the footpath from Chorley Lane to Freemans Lane require attention is being investigated. b) Confirmation your report that the step at the footbridge on the footpath from Chorley Lane to Freemans Lane requires attention is being investigated. c) Confirmation that hedges on German Lane were clipped on Monday February 12 th. d) Confirmation that works to hedges on Park Hall Road by Story Homes has been completed. e) Notification of a temporary road closure on Spendmore Lane, Coppull, between Monday 26 th March and Friday 6 th of April for cross connection utility works to take place. f) Notification of a temporary road closure on Pear Tree Lane, Euxton, between 30 th April and 23 rd July to enable new water supply connection work to take place. g) Copy Neighbourhood Area Meeting Southern Parishes Agenda for Thursday 1 March h) Info from NALC on Reporting Personal Data Breaches in light of GDP Legislation in May. i) NFU information booklet - Combatting Rural Crime to keep on file. j) Severe weather bulletin 1 March 2018 DECLARATION OF INTEREST: If the interest to be declared arises only as a result of your membership of another public body or one to which you have been appointed by the Council, then you only need to declare it if you intend to speak. If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, you must withdraw from the meeting. You should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision of the matter. Charnock Richard Parish Council Minutes Page 5 of 5